Cozy Romantic Anime "Witch Watch" Potentially Releasing in 2025
If the 2024 anime scene demonstrated anything, it's that shonen fans are craving more comical supernatural romances. Ahead of its April 6^{th} premiere on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu, Gkids has already unleashed a theatrical cut of the initial three episodes from the forthcoming Shonen Jump anime, Witch Watch. Despite requiring a smidgen of acclimation, Witch Watch has all the makings of the goofiest rom-com in 2025.
From the talented minds at Bibury Animation Studios, Witch Watch follows the friendship between Nico Wakatsuki, a zesty fledgling witch, and Morihito Otogi, an awkward ogre lad. Their fates intertwine when Morihito's old man reveals that they must dwell under the same roof to safeguard Nico from an imminent disaster. Morihito seizes the chance to get acquainted and fend off any lurking hazards. While Morihito's on watchdog duty, treating each day like a shonen anime mission, Nico luxuriates in the possibility that their peculiar relationship is the blossoming of their destined love story. With a stream of comedic calamities, the duo juggles quelling supernatural shenanigans in their hometown while navigating the intricacies of their lopsided relationship.
Witch Watch evokes a sense of nostalgia inspiring Akira Toriyama's early humorous manga works, such as Dragon Ball, and the simmering romantic tension found in Rumiko Takahashi's famous Urusei Yatsura. Although some of the humor falls flat for Western audiences due to cultural nuances, Witch Watch soon finds its comedic mojo in situational humor between its leads and a myriad of references to popular shonen anime.
At its core lies the humorous manzai-style dynamic between Nico, the extroverted, flirty, and clumsy witch, and Morihito, the reserved, stoic, and accident-prone ogre. Nico's unyielding passion for grandstanding her magical abilities, no matter the situation, results in one fiasco after another. Whether she's saving the town's folks from a house fire or helping fellows fly on a whim during her free period, she'll whip out a spell to save the day, albeit with disastrous consequences.
Nico's affinity for spectacle not only endangers Morihito but also creates outlandish predicaments that escalate with every misstep. For instance, Nico inadvertently exposes herself as a witch in front of her classmates after enlarging Morihito's head and arms to fix a mass-crumpled eraser. Or she splits into four mini-replicas of herself during an impulsive bid to move boxes—a decision that complicates matters rather than facilitating them.
This leads to recurring scenes where Morihito must save the day by cosplaying as the hero while covering up Nico's misadventures. He usually does so with deadpan humor and stoic grace, highlighting Nico's harebrained antics. Meanwhile, Nico's deluded fantasies about their budding romance, played out through private dialogue segments with a reality TV flair, propel the series' humor to new heights.
A secondary source of Witch Watch's comedic appeal is its well-studied references to popular manga series. As a Shonen Jump manga adaptation, the show unabashedly name-drops renowned anime titles in its punchlines. These winks take the form of sight gags, like Morihito's hair floating like Gon from Hunter x Hunter, or Nico's anti-gravity spell turning their classroom into Demon Slayer 's Infinity Castle; or her flight spell transporting her classmates like Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z.
As Witch Watch's theatrical debut suggests, this anime could well be the most adorable and lighthearted romantic comedy of 2025. Fingers crossed that Witch Watch keeps its charm intact when it airs on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu on April 6.
Want more io9 news? Stay tuned for updates on the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of DC's film and TV universe, and everything in store for the world of Doctor Who.
Enrichment Data:
Witch Watch Overview
Plot
Witch Watch is an upcoming shonen anime based on the manga by Kenta Shinohara, having previously worked on Sket Dance and Astra Lost in Space. The narrative revolves around Morihito Otogi, an ogre-bulked teenager, and Nico Wakatsuki, a teenage witch. Morihito takes the mantle of Nico's familiar and protector due to a prophecy that predicts her imminent peril. However, Nico is more occupied with winning Morihito's heart than with the danger she faces[1][2][3].
Humor Style
Witch Watch's humor is primarily situational, relying on comedic timing, chaotic situations, and the characters' responses to them. The contrast between Morihito's stoic demeanor and Nico's bubbly, energetic personality contributes to the humor[1][2].
Comparison to Other Romantic Comedy Anime with a Supernatural Spin
Similarities & Differences
- Urusei Yatsura: This classic series likewise features a "magic girlfriend" trope, but Witch Watch modernizes this concept by emphasizing character dynamics and situational humor[2].
- Sailor Moon: While Sailor Moon is more action-oriented, Witch Watch draws inspiration from the magical girl genre but focuses more on romantic comedy and everyday life[2].
- Bewitched: The influence of Western sitcoms like Bewitched is noticeable in Witch Watch's lighthearted approach to magical themes[2].
Unique Elements
- Character Dynamics: The relationship between Nico and Morihito is essential to the series, with Nico's unrequited crush and Morihito's obliviousness creating comedic scenarios distinct from other series where the male lead is often overly expressive[1][3].
- Supernatural Elements: The fusion of ogre and witch elements adds originality to the supernatural romantic comedy genre, incorporating a mix of magical escapades and heartfelt moments[3][4].
In short, Witch Watch seamlessly blends classic romantic comedy elements with a supernatural element, presenting a fresh angle on the "magic girlfriend" trope by centering on character dynamics and situational humor.
- The anime series 'Witch Watch' debuting in 2025 is set to bring a new twist to the shonen genre, offering more comical supernatural romances.
- With Morihito Otogi, an ogre lad, and Nico Wakatsuki, a humorous fledgling witch, at the core, 'Witch Watch' promises to be a vibrant romantic comedy that evokes nostalgia for early Akira Toriyama's works.
- As a Shonen Jump anime, 'Witch Watch' will delight fans by referencing popular anime titles; the series humor stemming from situational humor between the leads and its characters' responses to chaotic situations.
- Io9 readers can expect future updates on the release of notable anime, including 'Witch Watch', from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and more.
